On Monday the Broyles Award announced its 2023 finalists, given to the top assistant coach in college football.
They are:
-- Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo
-- LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock
-- Michigan offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore
-- Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker
-- Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein
All five finalists will report to Little Rock, Ark., for the awards luncheon, with the winner announced next Tuesday.
One would have to handicap Moore, chosen by his peers as the 2022 FootballScoop Offensive Line Coach of the Year, as the favorite -- ironically, for his work as Michigan's acting head coach over the past three weeks. Denbrock, Parker and Stein are also former FootballScoop Coach of the Year winners.
While Moore has a compelling case, so do the other four finalists. Denbrock and Stein's offenses are first and second in the nation, with the top two Heisman Trophy candidates at quarterback. Georgia is fifth in the nation in rushing, replaced a number of starters from the 2-time national champions, and hasn't lost in nearly 30 games. Parker's defense is top five in yards and scoring.
As a Broyles Award voter myself, my vote will remain hidden until after the ceremony.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.